Daily Mumble – 04/11/16

Many writers will say that Werenski was a surprise, forgetting his amazing performance in the NCAA…..and the World Juniors…..and when he as a rookie in the AHL where together with Forsberg he brought their team to the Calder Cup Championship. Werenski has always been a winning player, and an unstoppable force on the blueline. He has easily been one of, if not the best player for the Blue Jackets this season and will continue to be. Holding at point-per-game pace through 8 games he currently sits among the top for rookies so far this season. If he keeps this up, another Calder trophy may be heading his way, this one for Rookie of the Year in the NHL.

Condon – The Healer of Wounds

Condon sure is racking up the air miles this year. His latest stop is Ottawa and wow did he make a 1st impression, but this is huge for more reasons than one. People tend to forget how close an NHL team gets with each other, especially when you have been with the team for a while, and for that matter a stand-up guy. The news of Craig Anderson’s wife Nicholle is devastating and horrible. To see Anderson return for a game with a shutout is nothing short of stupendous. For Condon to come in with his won’t compare, but has it’s own importance. It tells the Sens and Anderson to not worry, he’ll guard the pipes no problem. This gives both sides a sigh of relief.

Can Price and the Habs be stopped?

A 9-0-1 start is always remarkable. Yes, we saw a similar situation last year. However, the Habs are far better prepared this year with some improvement to the forwards, and their backup goaltending situation. Montoya has looked fantastic so far this season. I’m not sure where Mitchell’s goal scoring came from, so that was unexpected, but Radulov is also helping out in that regard proving to be a worthy gamble. Say what you want about the Weber-Subban trade, but right now all systems appear to be a go for the Habs.

To Trouba or not to Trouba

This will be the question of the month as the looming deadline approaches. Many NHL team names have been thrown around, but no one is stepping up yet. Teams that are interested will have to assess themselves quickly and decide what their intentions are in regards to a Trouba trade. Is he a pick up for a playoff run? A key new member of the core for the future? Time will tell, but Winnipeg needs to get the phones rolling now before the deadline gets closer and they seem desperate. Get your left-handed defenseman because forwards sure aren’t a concern. A solid goaltender to share with Hellebuyck this year might be good as well if it can be added. Hutchinson just is not cutting it early on.

Strome and Dvorak time

With Hanzal and Rieder both out with injuries, Arizona was forced to recall Dvorak after just reassigning him to the AHL and are now rolling with him and Strome as their #1 and #2 centers. A scary situation for any coach to have to deal with. Two rookies taking up your top 2 center roles. This is however a great time for those two to show what they are made of as the opportunity is there. Dvorak has already begun to do so last night when he scored his 1st NHL goal. Keep a close eye down the middle for the Yotes the next little while.

Founder and President of League It To Us. Contact me either through twitter @LITUGregK or email gregk@leagueittous.com for hockey questions, site questions, business questions or anything else that may be on your mind.

Founder and President of League It To Us. Contact me either through twitter @LITUGregK or email gregk@leagueittous.com for hockey questions, site questions, business questions or anything else that may be on your mind.